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Winter Haven

Winter Haven – no two words could more accurately describe this picturesque city in Polk County. With

sunny days and mild temperatures even in the height of winter, Winter Haven definitely lives up to its name.

Outdoor fun

The balmy weather is far from the only thing that makes Winter Haven one of the best places to live in Florida. Appropriately dubbed “The Chain of Lakes City,” Winter Haven boasts of 24 lakes in the Chain of Lakes and an additional 26 lakes within its boundaries. Residents enjoy lakeside living each and every day of the year. And with amenities such as boat ramps, public docks, and waterfront parks, it’s remarkably easy to do so. Fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating are just some of the great water-based activities you can take part in.

It’s worth noting as well that the city is home to one of Central Florida’s most beloved theme parks, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Encompassing 150 acres, it features a water park, a botanical garden, over 50 rides and attractions, and more.

Winter Haven’s mild climate is also conducive to sports. The city has an athletic streak, as evidenced by its competitive youth sports programs in baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and swimming. In fact, the city nabbed the Girls Varsity Basketball State Championship four separate times, most recently in 2017. Winter Haven also played an important role in the development and growth of water skiing as a sport, thanks to local icon Dick Pope, Sr.

Then there’s golf. For generations, golf aficionados have been honing their game at the Country Club of Winter Haven. The club’s 18-hole championship golf course, recently redesigned by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones, is right along Lake Hamilton and measures 7,021 yards from the longest tees.

The cultural scene

Winter Haven also has an artistic side. The same multi-purpose complex that hosts sports training and events is also home to two community art programs: Theater Winter Haven and Ridge Art Association.

The city’s Central Park plays host to about a hundred different events each year, so you’ll never run out of fun things to do on the weekends. These include the Central Park Art Festival in March, Food Truck Wars in September, and Carols in the Park in December, just to name a few.

Excellent education

Parents will be glad to know that schools in Winter Haven are top-notch. The city is served by the Polk County Public School District, which supervises 65 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, and 16 senior high schools, as well as various charter schools, vocational centers, and alternative schools.

In fact, the educational sector is the county’s biggest employer, with over 12,000 employees—half of the teachers. The city is also home to Polk State College.

Winter Haven, FL real estate

Winter Haven is divided into four sections: NW, NE, SE, and SW. All of these are accessible from Cypress Garden Boulevard, the main thoroughfare. The city has many sought-after gated communities, such as Wyndham, Renaissance, Mallard Pointe, Emerald Palms, Wyndsor, Hamilton Pointe, Terranova, the Village at Spirit Lake, Mandolin, Eloise Pointe Estates, Cypresswood, and more.

Though there are condos for sale in the city, most homes in Winter Haven, FL tend to be single-family residences. These homes tend to have anywhere from two to four bedrooms. The most coveted properties are usually those that overlook a lake, affording residents stunning views of the placid waters. Pool homes and mid-range residences are also available.

Given the high quality of life in Winter Haven, it comes as a surprise for many that home prices in the area cover both ends of the spectrum. From starter homes to luxurious estates in the seven-digit range, you’ll find a wide range of housing options here.

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